Neuropsychology

What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a qualified psychologist who has undergone additional training to specialise in the diagnosis and management of brain disorders. This includes disorders affecting language and reading, memory, learning, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

What do neuropsychologists do?

Neuropsychologists perform targeted assessments of the various aspects of cognitive function. This enables them to provide a diagnosis, formulate a management strategy, and monitor progress. Brain disorders can arise from developmental conditions, trauma, age-related decline, nutritional deficiency, or hormone imbalances, meaning that neuropsychologists will often need to collaborate in a multidisciplinary healthcare team to deliver the best outcomes. 

As part of their scope, our clinical neuropsychologists are equipped to:

• Evaluate all aspects of cognitive function, including problem-solving, memory, attention, and language
• Diagnose and provide rehabilitation for the effects of neurological and cognitive conditions
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Provide strategies to manage the thought processes and behaviours associated with mood disorders
• Assess and treat learning disabilities
• Assess and manage behavioural concerns in school-aged children

Our clinical neuropsychologists are also involved in our memory training program, a 6-week intensive program designed to equip participants with tools and strategies for improving their memory skills.

Reasons to see a neuropsychologist

You might be recommended to see our neuropsychologists if you have experienced a brain injury or illness that has resulted in a change to your cognitive abilities, mood, or behaviour. Some common situations that benefit from care with a neuropsychologist include:

• Concerns about your memory or other thinking skills, whether raised by yourself, your friends and family, or your primary healthcare provider
• Experiencing a concussion or traumatic brain injury
• Support for the cognitive effects of epilepsy: memory, attention, planning and organisation  
• To confirm a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
• To assess a motor disorder, such as parkinson’s disease
• For management for the cognitive effects of stroke: forgetfulness, confusion, information processing, concentration and attention, reasoning and decision-making

Do I need a referral to see a clinical neuropsychologist?

No. However, a patient health summary from your GP or a referral from another healthcare specialist can assist the neuropsychologist in understanding your current concerns and the reasons for referral. Medicare rebates may be available for patients with a GP referral as part of a GP chronic disease management plan (this does not apply to neuropsychology assessments). Private health fund rebates may be available for some services.

Meet Our Clinical Neuropsychologists